How to Maintain Your Fridge Properly

There is no doubt that your refrigerator is one of the most important household appliances. Without your fridge, you will need to purchase fresh produce almost daily and in smaller quantities. It is no wonder that such a hard working appliance needs to be properly maintained in order to remain efficient. So, if you want to get the most out of your fridge, here are some essential maintenance tips.

Inspect the seals

Around the doors of your fridge and freezer, you will notice that there are rubber seals. These seals are designed to prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering the fridge when it’s shut. If the seals are no longer in perfect shape, they will not be as effective. This means that the motor on your fridge will end up working harder to maintain the set temperature. The harder the motor works, the more pressure you put on these working parts and the sooner they will require repair or replacement. Take a look at the seals on your fridge and take the time to wipe them down. While doing so, make sure that they are not damaged anywhere. Once you are done cleaning them, you can then do the dollar bill test. Take a banknote and shut the door on it. Now try to remove the banknote without opening the door. If you can, then you may need new seals for your fridge doors.

Condenser coil cleaning

From time to time, you will need to move your fridge away from the wall so that you can access the back of the appliance. The condenser coils are located here and they need to be cleaned regularly in order to ensure maximum efficiency. Dust tends to build upon these coils and it can even get a bit sticky. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to gently brush and remove all this dirt. Remember, while your fridge is cold inside, it also needs to be able to release heat somehow. This is the role of the condenser coils so, if they are coated in dirt, they will not be able to function normally and it can even result in excessive wear and tear.

Clean the drain

Every fridge has some kind of drain. This drain allows condensation to flow from inside the fridge to the drip tray located underneath it. Since we cannot do anything to prevent condensation from forming, this drain and catchment tray is essential. If, however, the drain becomes clogged, it will not be effective and you could end up with pools of water in your fridge. So, take some time to check and unclog this drainage tube. While you’re at it, empty and clean the catchment tray too. Dirt tends to build up in this tray so you should give it a good scrub.

Replace your water filter

If your fridge is fitted with a water dispenser, then you should know that it also has its own filter. This filter needs to be changed every 6 months unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. If this dirty filter is not replaced, it will no longer provide you with clean drinking water. In fact, the water you are drinking could even be worse than your unfiltered tap water!

Keep your fridge level

A spirit level is an excellent tool to have around the house. You can use it for various DIY projects and it’s perfect for making sure that your fridge is level. If your fridge leans, your fridge will not shut properly and your food will be compromised. The motor on your fridge will also work extra hard and, as briefly mentioned above, this will result in additional wear and tear.

Set the right temperature

Different types of refrigerators have different ways of setting the temperature. It might be tempting to set the temperature very low but this is not always ideal. 37° F (2.7°C) is the ideal temperature and, if you want to be extra sure, you can consult the manufacturer’s guide. If you set your fridge too cold, it will result in excess wear and possibly frozen food. If you don’t set it cold enough, your food will spoil.

Keep your fridge full

This tip often surprises people but it has been proven time and time again. If your fridge is empty, it will not maintain a cool temperature as well. That said, if your fridge is overflowing, it will not allow cool air to flow freely around all your food and beverages. In other words, if your fridge is getting empty, you should at least add some bottles of water to help maintain the temperature.

Regular cleaning schedule

Cleaning your fridge regularly is not only important for hygiene reasons. It’s also a great way to inspect your fridge for possible damage. Discard old or expired food and wipe down all of the surfaces regularly. If you notice any problems while cleaning, you will be able to resolve them promptly.

Finally, do not forget that all refrigerators experience wear and tear no matter how well you take care of them. Some parts will need to be replaced eventually but, by replacing them promptly, you can enjoy the maximum use of your fridge. For professional refrigerator repairs, contact Target Appliance Repair at (613) 518-1532. Our team always arrives quickly and prepared with tools and parts to perform repairs right away.